Is Nepal that hard up for money to issue all these permits?
The story wording that he “warned of overcrowding” makes it sound like it was something that he had no responsibility for or control over that killed him. He chose to ignore his own warning, and in doing so contributed to the the overcrowding…
I agree. Anyone attempting Everest certainly must know what they are getting into. It’s no secret.
That said, it will be interesting to see if the well-publicized pictures and deaths this year may result in a few less climbers next year.
Yes.
And it goes up to 11 (which is one more.)
I had been getting my latest news about Everest deaths from the web page of the Himalayan Times, but now suddenly there is nothing on the main page of the paper about the Everest fatalities at all, even though we had that eleventh death today. Censorship or just other news taking hold?
This story says
That got me thinking. Maybe as part of the climbing permit and fees all climbers should have to leave a DNA sample. If only to identify the body if they die on the mountain and get left there for years. I wonder if that would have a sobering effect on some climbers?
I don’t think so, the vast majority of the climbers are aware of the risks. I don’t think a cheek swab would change their impression of the risk.
I found the following book fascinating and informative.
High Crimes -The Fate of Everest in an Age of Greed by Michael Kodas
It’s not just the overcrowding. It’s unscrupulous tour operators and larcenous climbers. The book also goes into great details about the process of climbing Everest - it’s not like people come for a week and go straight up from camp to camp ( well, maybe some do but they shouldn’t). The climbers generally stay for several weeks and spend a lot of time going back and forth between the lower camps before making their “bid” for the summit,
And there are issues between the reputable tour companies, who spend a lot of time and money and undertake a lot of risk preparing the route, outfitting it with ropes and ladders - and the disreputable guides, who refuse to contribute but who use and frequently steal or damage their equipment.
I recommend this book, my only criticism was a feeling that the expeditions he covered seemed a bit naive going in.
I’m seeing a board game using Dungeons and Dragons type dice to determine how long you stay in line, whether you fall or get altitude sickness, etc. You need to survive the ascent and descent to win, and there’s a good chance you’ll survive neither. Playing pieces (climbing boots?) in different colors so others can recognize that it’s your corpse they are passing. Past 6000m you roll the 10-sided die every move to determine your health; past 8000m you roll the 20-sided die to determine if you are alive.
Grandpa heiniezone got a couple of his games published, so it’s in my blood to say Copyright 2019 by the person using the alias dropzone, patent pending by same, all rights reserved…
Dude was in his early 60’s. He was an avid climber in Colorado and around the world. His family’s statement, was that at least he died doing what he loved best.
I’m sorry, but I must be wired differently, I have no desire to die…much less dying while doing what I love best.
Dying of a heart attack brought on by altitude sickness is nobody’s idea of doing what they love best. Neither is standing in line for hours, nor is stepping around corpses on ones way to stand on an area the size of two ping pong tables with a dozen and a half other guys, all jostling to take selfies.
To reduce senseless slaughter next season we should all laugh at anyone expressing a desire to “conquer” Everest and, by the looks of them, you should reconsider your doctor or lawyer or vet on the basis of his or her lack of judgement.
The government of Nepal would collect as much in fees with that change, but all the people of Nepal who make a living providing services to climbers would suffer from lack of custom.
A note about the permits.
https://www.mounteverest.net/expguide/permit.htm
The permit ( and the 11K fee ) is not per person, it’s per expedition group. If this article is correct, a MINIMUM of 8 climbers ( leader + 7 ) is needed for a permit. This article does not state the maximum.
The expedition leader is required to submit credentials and referrals to prove climbing experience. There are other costs and deposits required (including one deposit that is refunded when you carry your garbage down.)
But only the expedition leaders are required to have experience. Some are with organizations that take up tourist climbers, some are real organized expeditions made up of experienced climbers, and sometimes they are nothing but groups of solo climbers who banded together to share costs.
But 384 permits = thousands of climbers.
Standing in a queue?
…Or maybe a card game based on Mille Bornes would be a good start.
Not sure about that other sources say it’s per climber
Only if he were British.